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I can't believe we're already talking Christmas. Every year seems to fly by and this year is no different. It's time for cosy nights, mulled wine, get togethers and parties. It also means Christmas shopping, which may inject you with fear. I normally do all mine online to avoid the crowds! But wherever I shop, I love using gift guides for inspiration and to help me when i'm stuck in a rut. SO, I thought it'd be helpful to create my own gift guide this year. 

I love blog posts or videos on this sorta thing as I love a good bargain! However, I'm genuinely terrible at making decisions. So ranking each product in order has been hard. I'm pretty happy with it now- quick read on before I change my mind again ha! Let's count down from 10 to 1. 

10) Bourjois BB Bronzing Cream- £9.99
This was the first product to be featured in my Hidden Gem Series- the products that you don't reach for everyday, can often be overshadowed, but when you properly think about them, you realise how good they actually are. That is the perfect way to describe this. I love it because it's multi-use; I use it to cream contour, to darken light foundations and as a BB cream when i'm on my summer holibobs! 

9) Sleek Highlighting Palette- Solstice- £9.99
This also just manages to make it in the under £10 category. With 3 powders and 1 cream, this is a beautiful highlighting palette that'll make you glow. And I mean glow!

8) Revolution Flawless Matte 2 Palette- £8
The newest addition to my collection in this list and I know I've spoken about this a fair few times on the blog already, but at £8 for 32 good quality shadows, it just had to be included. The eyeshadows are pigmented, blend easily and the palette has a huge mirror. You can find my full review >>here<<

7) Wet n Wild Eyeshadow Duo
Before the Huda Beauty palette came into my life, this bronze eyeshadow was my lil love. I wrote a post (The Bronze Eyeshadow Showdown) back in 2015 about my fave bronze eyeshadows, where I featured this. I classed it as my ultimate fave due to being pigmented, easy to blend and not creasing. It's not as high up in my list as it would be, since I don't wear it so much anymore. But for my first uni years, I would regularly just wear this for a night out- a sweep of colour and lashings of mascara- and be good to go. This is making me want to wear it again! (It does seem to be that old that I can't find a link to it anywhere, soz!) 

6) Sleek Face Contour Kit - £6.99
I've had this palette in my collection for several years now, hence the battered packaging- I should probably get a new one! But this is a really good contour / bronzer which is not too brown, red or orange. The highlighter is beautiful too and is so pigmented you only need to dip your brush in.  

5) Rimmel London Kate Nude Lipsticks- £5.50
I love several of the Kate Moss lipsticks. 107 used to be my absolute fave of all time, i've stopped wearing it so much now (i still love the shade) and have instead been reaching for 42 from the nude collection. It is perfect for a night out since it's so easy to wear and goes with just about any makeup look.


1) Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer- £4.19
This just had to be number one. The only concealer I know will cover everything and the only concealer I must have in my makeup collection at all times. Is there anything more that needs to be said?

If you've read my blog for a while you'll know that Nars is one of, if not my fave, makeup brand. I love the whole look and feel of the packaging, it doesn't feel as luxurious or lavish as YSL or Charlotte Tilburry, but it's just got something about it. And, most importantly I love the products ha! I'm yet to find a product I dislike or am even unsure of. I don't have a huge Nars collection but what I do have I use all the time!

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
This is my fave Nars product and my fave foundation. It's not sheer and it's not that glowy (despite the name) but it gives a beautiful skin-like finish to the skin, whilst still giving medium to full, and definitely buildable, coverage! The shade Mont Blanc is also the best match to my natural, untanned skin that i've found. A must try if you haven't already.

Nars Bronzer- Laguna
What a classic! I remember back in the old YouTube and Blogging days this was talked about so much. Pretty much everyone had it. I dreamt of trying it for years but I couldn't justify spending that much on a bronzer when I was a teenager- it still makes me squirm, hence the reason i'm running desperately low on it! With just a hint of shimmer, it gives a lovely tanned finish without being too orange or too brown. I also love to use it as an eyeshadow (shown in my first makeup YT vid aahh!) for an easy, everyday look.

Nars Blusher- Orgasm
Another absolute classic here! Easy to wear everyday and the rose gold-ish reflection means it gives a glowy, rosy flush to the cheeks. It's very pigmented, so a little definitely goes a long way.

Nars Highlighting Blush Powder- Albatross
I don't know why this is called a blush powder, because it's definitely not. I recently wrote a blog post about this >> The Summer Highlighter << so check it out if you want a more detailed post. As the post name suggests, I particularly love this for the summer, since despite looking white in the pan, it has a serious gold undertone to it, making it look amazing with a tan. 

Nars Blush- Nico
This is another one that isn't really a blusher. I've also done a blog post on this >> Nars Nico << as part of my Hidden Gem series in 2016. I don't use it as a blusher, but instead as a multi-use powder; to fix, set and lightly highlight. Being a light beige with a hint of shimmer, it can set the under eyes, soften a heavy hand with blusher or bronzer or as a very subtle highlight. I class it not a must-buy but a maybe for Nars or makeup lovers.

Nars Illuminator- Copacabana
Another one i've wrote a longer blog post on >> The Liquid Highlighters <<. This actually comes close as my fave highlighter. I absolutely love the glowy finish it gives and how being liquid, it's so versatile. A little side note: I find that Copacabana blends the best and looks the best when i'm wearing the Sheer Glow foundation. 

Nars Audacious Lipstick- Anita
The only product that's not for the face in my collection. A classic rose shade- it is perfect for everyday. It's pigmented, so you only need a couple of swipes and creamy, but doesn't slide off. 

As we head further into September, and further into autumn, I thought it was only right to do another makeup wishlist. Just like with style, my makeup picks change from season to season. So there's a few products i'm eyeing up as we delve into these colder months. P.S is anyone else feeling a lil bit festive already?? Eeek!

L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Matte Foundation: http://tidd.ly/e3c7674f
I love trying new foundations and i've wanted to try this for a while. I used to always go for illuminating foundations cos i looove the finish they give but they just dont last on my skin. So i mainly now go for matte, and just add in the glow with other products.

I was recently gifted this palette from a friend who didn't want it anymore. Never one to say no to makeup, I happily accepted. I've heard and seen Revolution in Superdrug but had never tried anything myself before this... 
Firstly, it retails at £8, yes you read that right, eight pounds! For that reason, I wasn't expecting great things (shame on me!). Nevertheless, I was excited to give it a try.

It's the flawless matte 2 palette, and hence as the name suggests, it features 32 everyday wearable matte eyeshadows- right up my street! I'd say its mainly on the cool toned side, but there are some warmer tones such as the oranges and reds. I first swatched it and was pretty impressed at how pigmented the shadows were. They're not as creamy or buttery as let's say the Huda Beauty palettes, but for the fraction of the price, they're pretty damn good. They blend really well... I often find that lower priced eyeshadows tend to disappear when you blend them but these definitely don't. I also get barely any fall out, a major plus point for me! They last amazingly well too and the huge mirror means its perfect for travelling. And, after doing some research, i've also found it that its vegan and cruelty free, yes Revolution! 

I've only had it for a couple of weeks, but i've already found myself gravitating to a few different shades. I've been using these as transition / crease shades.
I love this shade for my eyebrows.
But my main love for this palette is due to the orange/red shades. I've never really tried these sorta shades before but I have been LOVING creating a coppery, red eyeshadow look for both everyday and for the night. 

I recently took a trip to Boots to pick up a few essentials. It's only a small haul, but it's got a lil bit of everything... makeup, skincare, body. Hope you enjoy seeing what I picked up!

Sukin Oil Balancing Mattifying Facial Moisturiser

I'm one of those annoying people who uses a product until its nearly done, then moves on to something new, rarely properly finishing a product. This is no different with moisturises, i've been switching back and forth, trying to find something to clear up my spots. So, I've recently been on a mission to use up my collection of moisturises to the last drop before I could purchase something new. A sort of de-cluttering. I did that, then was in search of something new. I did a lil research and had a few products in mind, but when I was browsing the skincare section I came across Sukin. I'd not heard much about Sukin but the packaging, the properties in it and the pretty good price, led me to biting the bullet and trying this. I've used it for a few days now, and it could just be coincidence, but my spots and scars are beginning to fade. We could be on to a winner! I'll do a full review in a few weeks once i've properly put it to the test. 

Soap and Glory Clean on Me

In the same sense to the moisturises, I was running pretty low on Clean on Me, my fave shower gel of all time! I decided I was going to declutter, and use up all my other shower gels before repurchasing this. If you've not tried Clean on Me, you must! It leaves my skin feeling so soft, like i've but body cream on. It's my must use before fake tanning as I know i'm not going to have patchy tan or dry patches. 

Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara

Another repurchase of an old fave. I was going to try a new drugstore mascara but didn't want to buy something that was a total flop, so stuck with what I know and love. 

Maybelline Instant Anti Age Erase Concealer- 00 Ivory

When this concealer was all the rage a few years ago I bought it in what was then the lightest shade in the UK- it was not light at all. I never really got the hype, but that was probably due to it being too dark for me. I'm excited to properly put it to work now.

Wilkinson Sword Intuiton Fab Razor

An exciting purchase I know... I needed a new razor and saw this, which I think is new. It's meant to be much better for your skin when shaving back and forth so I thought why not give it a go. It was half price too, you can't go wrong!

For years, I've applied my foundation with either a buffing brush, AKA the Real Techniques buffing brush / expert face brush, or a beauty blender. I've generally always preferred how quick these options blend my foundation seamlessly, and give a nice finish. A couple of weeks ago, when doing my makeup, I decided to shake things up a little and use something different- wild I know! 

I was sifting through my brushes and came across the Inglot 27TG, basically a large stippling brush. I'd not used this for a good couple of years. Stippling brushes had been all the rage in the early blogging days, however I'd always found that they didn't give me as much coverage and that's not what a gal with problematic skin wants. Nevertheless when I tried this, I was shook! It was blending quickly, giving me such good coverage and leaving a lovely finish. Since then, it's been the only brush I've been applying my foundation with, so definitely a new favourite for July! My only gripe with it is that it sometimes sheds and leaves little black hairs on my face. Other than that, i'm loving the stippling brush life. I feel so 2012. 

Not long after my June Birchbox post went live, my July Birchbox arrived and I could get excited over another box of beauty filled treats. So what's in the July Birchbox?






Balance Me Congested Skin Serum

I was very excited to see this in this months box. I don't know if its due to the hotter weather but my skin has not been behaving recently. So anything that claims to fight against spots i'm 100% down for trying. I've used it twice since getting it and i've not really noticed a difference yet, but i'll give it plenty of time. RRP= £16

Manna Kadar Long-Wear Powder in Paradise

This is supposedly multi-purpose, and can be used on the cheeks or the eyes. I'll most likely stick to the cheeks. Still... it looks a beautiful red toned powder with a gold shimmer. It reminds me of Nars Orgasm Blusher. RRP= £15

Eyeko Fat Eye Stick in Satin

Although I always think i'm going to love Eyeko products, i've tried a liquid eyeliner and one of their mascaras and wasn't overly impressed. I'm still excited to try this as so many people love Eyeko. Swatched... it looks like I could finally be on to a winner. RRP= £12

What's in it for me? Shower Scrub

At first glance, I thought this was This Works, the packaging is pretty similar. I wasn't overly excited to see this sitting in my birchbox but I am running pretty low on my usual Soap & Glory scrub, so it looks like it's going to come in handy after all.

Beauty Pro Eye Therapy Under Eye Mask

I've never tried these under eye masks but I see people using them everywhere! I always think they seem expensive for something that's single use, and does it even make much difference. I always save products like this for a special occasion but when a special occasion rolls around I still don't use them?? It's my graduation in a few days, maybe i'll try them then.... RRP= £4.95

If you've read my blog for a while, you'll probably know that Nars is one of, if not my favourite makeup brand. Whether its foundation, bronzer, eyeshadow or lipstick, they just nail it again and again. I recently wrote a post about liquid highlighters, which featured the gorgeous Nars Copacabana Illuminator. I still love that, but in the summer I like wearing a slightly more 'gold' highlighter to compliment my *fake* tan. And my favourite summer highlighter is? Nars Albatross. Is there any surprises its another Nars product?

In the pan, it looks kind of white, however once swatched it's got a serious gold undertone. I don't think it suits my pale skin tone in the winter, but with tanned skin it just looks stunning. It's got that summer holiday going out for an evening meal kinda vibe. It's a super lightweight powder that melts into the skin and you only need to dip your brush in it to look like you've been dripping in gold. Like most Nars products, it lasts pretty well too, around 6/7 hours. Pretty good for someone whose makeup always disappears from their skin. It retails for £24 and can be bought from my all time favourite shop, ASOS! http://tidd.ly/c2fc97c6

We're quickly heading towards summer where bases get a little lighter, lipsticks get a little brighter and I go a little heavy on the bronzer! I've picked out a few makeup items that'll serve you well through this transition period from spring to summer. Talking of summer- let's have a good one please?


It all starts with the base and generally something lighter, with less coverage is my go-to. But first of all this gal needs primer, makeup seems to just disappear from my face so anything that claims to help it last longer, i'm down for. The PUR Correcting Primer Illuminate & Glow does what it says on the bottle- gives the face a natural radiance but also gives a little bit of colour. So if you've got great skin that doesn't need much coverage or your heading to the beach and just want a lil something something' on your face, this could be your guy. 

When my skin is behaving better in the summer months I love the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation. It's definitely a light coverage but it just makes your skin look like skin, which I looove. I also like mixing my foundations so if i'm ever having a bad skin day (i.e quite a lot), I mix it with one of my heavier duty foundations. Overall this is a lovely light foundation perfect for the Summer months (and has a nice smell!).


Spring/summer is when I bring out the cream products. You just can't go wrong with a cream blush when you want your cheeks giving off that rosy, flushed vibe. The Stila Convertible Cream Colours are so pigmented you need the tiniest amount. It's easy to apply, blends in smoothly and doesn't rub your foundation off underneath. It also doubles up as a quick and easy lip tint. I love the shade peach blossom for a peachy glow to the cheeks.

What spring/summer makeup is complete without the signature coral/orange lipstick. Here's three to pick from depending on how bright and daring you wanna go. For the brightest of brightest shades you can't go wrong with Topshop's Lipstick in Infrared. This looks amazing in the summer with a tan, glowy skin and just mascara on the eyes. If you don't wanna rock the full on orange lip, the Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in No.12 is a good pick. It still has that orange vibe, but has a much more red undertone, making it less 'out there'. Finally, for a sheerer, glossier and much more coral lip look, the Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in No.03 is the one for you. 

What are your spring to summer makeup picks?

• Hourglass Ambient Lightning Palette- Most definitely a splurge item and not an essential but just look at it!?